11 April 2023 , 18:59
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Robert Lewandowski has expressed his hope of playing alongside Lionel Messi at Barcelona next season – as suggestions of the Argentine’s return to Camp Nou gather pace.
The Argentine superstar’s future at Paris Saint-Germain looks more uncertain than ever. Contract talks have been put on hold by the Ligue 1 giants with less than three months remaining of the 35-year-old’s deal.
The player was booed during the Ligue 1 defeat against Lyon earlier this month, highlighting the uneasy relationship between the player and the club’s fanbase. With PSG once again falling flat on the European stage this year, changes to their sporting project are expected this summer.
Earlier this month, Barcelona transfer chiefs confirmed contact had been made with Messi regarding a potential return to the Camp Nou. There is also an offer on the table for the Argentine superstar from Saudi Arabia.
Al-Hilal are observing a transfer ban but believe they will be in a position to sign players this summer. Such a move would pit Messi against Cristiano Ronaldo in the Middle Eastern nation’s capital – reminiscent of their El Clasico rivalry at Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively between 2009 and 2018.
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However, it is understood that Messi’s objective is to remain in European football. He has not yet made a definitive decision on remaining in Paris or returning to Catalonia, but he is likely to stay within Europe for at least the next season.
Lionel Messi may leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer after the club paused contract talks (Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)Have Your Say! Where will Messi be playing next season? Tell us what you think here.
Messi has been refusing to answer phone calls made on behalf of a negotiator close to Joan Laporta. Meanwhile, the Barca president had planned to meet with his former star player during his visit to the Ballon d'Or awards in Paris in October, but such attempts were unsuccessful.
Yet Barca are continuing their attempts for a sensational return of Messi, despite having to make significant financial savings ahead of next season. Any move for the player will be wrought with complications and potential sentimentality, yet the Argentine has received acknowledgement through a third party of the interest.
Speaking to Catalan outlet Mundo Deportivo, current Barca striker Lewandowski responded when asked about the Argentine’s return: "Messi belongs to Barca and if he returns it will be something incredible. We know that his place is here in Barcelona. I don't know what will happen, but I hope that next season we can play together."
It is usual for players to bat away transfer speculation of their own club yet the Poland international’s answer shows the growing confidence within the Catalan club that a sensational return is possible.